Photo: Carter Oswood

Between heavy course loads and extracurricular activities, it’s easy to get stuck inside the Drake bubble. For students that are feeling stuck, Foursquare is a great way to get out and discover what Des Moines has to offer. To get started, here’s five fast Foursquare locations you may not know about.

Woody’s Smoke Shack – Everyone knows about Jethro’s, but Woody’s is one of Drake’s best-kept secrets. Located on Cottage Grove and 25th Street, this hole in the wall joint has mouth-watering barbeque. Just make sure to get there early to beat the lunchtime rush.

La Mie Bakery & Restaurant – While Raygun may have us believing that Des Moines is French for “The Moines,” La Mie has made us into French foodies. The combination of a bakery and a restaurant offers everything from pastries to artisan breads to macrons. It’s enough to make you say, “Oui, oui.”

Snookies Malt Shop – While Snookies is currently closed for the winter, we’re counting down the days until we can return for milkshakes and frosty desserts. This Beaverdale favorite is the quintessential summer ice cream venue. Plus, it’s just far enough from campus that if you walk, you can justify the large waffle cone.

Better Homes & Gardens Test Garden – College is stressful, and sometimes you just need to get away. The Meredith Corporation is here to help. Take a load off after a tough week with a stroll through the “Better Homes & Gardens” test gardens, located in downtown Des Moines. The gardens are open to the public on Fridays from noon until 2 p.m. beginning in May.

Gateway Market – Before Des Moines had a Trader Joe’s, there was Gateway Market. Part gourmet grocery store, part restaurant and part ready-made deli counter, this delicious delicatessen is the perfect destination for any college foodie.